Welfen Castle

The origins of the Welfenschloss are obscure, but a predecessor complex as a medieval castle is probable, as Welfen princes are documented in Münden as early as 1247. The current building was erected in 1501 by Duke Erich I of Lüneburg-Braunschweig in the Gothic style as a residence and administrative seat. After a fire around 1560, Duke Erich II had the castle rebuilt in the style of the early Weser Renaissance as a three-winged complex. With his death in 1584, the castle lost its importance, as it was only occasionally used by the Welfen rulers. After destruction during the Thirty Years' War, it served as a barracks and later as a granary. In 1849, the south wing burned down and was not rebuilt.